Points of Interest between Brackley, England to West Suffolk, England

picture of Brackley, England

Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brackley, England and West Suffolk, England

Are you looking for a scenic drive with some unexpected stops along the way? Look no further than the route from Brackley, England, to West Suffolk, England. This drive takes you through some beautiful countryside and charming towns. The drive takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes, assuming you're not stopping. But why not take your time and make some interesting pit stops along the way?

The halfway point of this drive is Huntingdon, CAM, a town in the county of Cambridgeshire. Once a thriving market town, Huntingdon has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Today, it's a great place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat before continuing on to West Suffolk.

  1. St. Neots, CAM - This charming market town is worth a stop for its picturesque riverfront and historic buildings. Take a stroll along the River Great Ouse or visit the 15th-century St. Mary's Church. For a bite to eat, check out The Royal Oak, a traditional English pub that offers hearty pub grub like fish and chips and steak and ale pie.

  2. Bury St. Edmunds, SFK - For a taste of medieval England, stop off in the town of Bury St. Edmunds. The centerpiece of the town is the ruined abbey, which dates back to the 11th century. You can also visit the historic Greene King brewery, which has been making beer in Bury St. Edmunds since 1799. For lunch, head to The Nutshell, a tiny pub that claims to be the smallest in England. Their menu features classic pub dishes like bangers and mash and ploughman's lunches.

  3. Sherwood Forest, NTT - If you're a fan of Robin Hood, you won't want to miss a detour to Sherwood Forest. This ancient woodland was once home to the legendary outlaw, and you can still see the oak tree where he and his Merry Men supposedly hung out. While you're there, take a walk along one of the many trails and see if you can spot any of the forest's resident wildlife, like deer and badgers. For a snack, grab an ice cream from the Sherwood Forest Ice Cream Parlour, which serves up delicious traditional flavors like clotted cream and elderflower.

  4. Belvoir Castle, LEI - This stunning castle is a hidden gem that's well worth a visit. Belvoir Castle has been the home of the Manners family for almost a thousand years and is still a private residence, but part of it is open to the public. Take a tour of the castle's grand rooms and learn about its history. For a posh lunch, book a table at the on-site restaurant, The Engine Yard. They serve classic British dishes with a modern twist, like smoked salmon and avocado on sourdough toast.

  5. Ely, CAM - The final destination on this road trip is the cathedral city of Ely. This historic town is dominated by its soaring cathedral, which dates back to the 11th century. After admiring the cathedral's stunning architecture, take a walk along the River Great Ouse or visit the Ely Museum to learn about the town's history. For a sweet treat, head to Topping & Co. Booksellers, which also has a café that serves up delicious homemade cakes and scones.

In conclusion, taking a road trip from Brackley, England, to West Suffolk, England, is a great way to see some of the country's most beautiful spots. By making these five unexpected stops, you'll get a taste of everything from small market towns to historic castles to ancient woodlands. And, of course, you'll enjoy some delicious food along the way. So what are you waiting for? Hit the road and embark on an adventure today!